Hibernian 1 Dunfermline 1
Saturday, 16th Feb 2002SPL:
Steve Hampshire (59) 0-1:
Derek Townsley (79) 1-1:
Dunfermline made three changes from the team that drew at Dens Park on Wednesday. Stevie Crawford received a two match ban for his red card in midweek, Gus MacPherson was injured and Seyni N`Diaye swapped places with Lee Bullen to join the bench. Steven Hampshire started up front with Lee as Dunfermline sought only their second league win at Easter Road in 66 years.
Hibs have failed to win a league match since 21st October so could this match provide anything better than a goal less draw?
The home team kicked off towards the black shorted and black socked Pars who had 600 travelling supporters in the low tier of the South Stand. The early play was slow and lacking in incident save for a Barry Nicholson free kick in 4th minute which was headed clear by Caldwell only as far as Mason but the Pars players volley from 20 yards was struck into the ground and harmlessly slid passed the left post.
Lee Bullen was next to worry the Hibs defence when his ball from wide on the left caused Ian Murray to concede a corner as Dair`s attentions unsettled him. Two quick Pars corners provided nothing but Scott Y had to be called into action at the other end as Brewster aimed in an on target header.
Dunfermline played good possession football for most of the half and McGroarty, Mason and Ferguson showed tenacity that made sure the Easter Road faithful grew impatient with their stars. The home support did rise for Brewster`s 18th minute header but his 25 yard effort was high over the crossbar.
The Hibs defence escaped when Steven Hampshire nipped in between Smith and Colgan, but the keeper recovered to play the ball in from outside his box and hold. Things looked good for the Pars when Chris McGroarty rounded De La Cruz but the shot was blasted off Lilian Martin to set up an Arpinon break that won a corner at the other end.
We created the danger from this corner when Ian Ferguson hit the clearance on to De La Cruz`s ankle and Arpinon should have done more with the cross. A great ball ball up the left side from Scott Thomson sent McGroarty into a good position. The youngster controlled the ball before executing a good shot that Colgan did well to get down to at his right hand post.
Nipper then sent Bullen up the same flank. The ball again found McGroarty who this time played it back for Mason to shoot from an acute angle on the left. The finish was not good enough and the ball went across the goal and out on the right for a goal kick.
Hibs threat continued to be from Frederic Arpinon and in the 28th minute he took the ball for a tour of the right side of the Pars defence before sending in a cross that was headed gutlessly into Thomson`s hands.
SUBS NOT USED: Paul Fenwick, Tony Caig (GK)
SCORERS: Townsley (79)
DUNFERMLINE: Scott Y Thomson: Andrius Skerla, Lee Bullen (Michael Panopoulos 83), Scott Thomson, Barry Nicholson, Jason Dair, Davie Nicholls, Gary Mason, Ian Ferguson (J Skinner 68), Chris McGroarty, Steven Hampshire (Seyni N`Diaye 63)
SUBS NOT USED: Colin Nish, Ross Harrower (GK)
SCORERS: Hampshire (59)
YELLOW CARD: Ferguson
REFEREE: Dougie MacDonald
WEATHER:
ATTENDANCE 9788
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